32201 – Massage therapists
TEER 2Occupations usually requiring a college diploma or apprenticeship of 2 years or more, or supervisory occupations
Lead statement
Massage therapists assess soft tissues and joints of the body for treatment and prevention of dysfunction, injury, pain and physical disorders.
Main duties
- Assess clients by conducting range of motion and muscle tests and propose treatment plans
- Explain procedures, risks and benefits to clients
- Administer massage techniques, treating soft tissues and joints of the body through soft tissue manipulation, relaxation techniques, hydrotherapy, trigger point therapy, joint pain and lower grade mobilizations, remedial exercise programs and client self-help programs
- Suggest home care instructions and provide information about techniques for further postural improvement and stretching, strengthening, relaxation and rehabilitative exercises
- Maintain records of treatments given
- May consult with other health care professionals such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, physicians and psychologists when developing treatment plans for clients.
Employment requirements
- Massage therapists usually require completion of an 18- to 24-month or 18- to 36-month program in massage therapy from an accredited school anda period of supervised practical training.
- Registration with a regulatory body is required in Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario and British Columbia.
Example job titles
massage therapist (MT) · massotherapist · registered massage therapist (RMT) · registered massage practitioner · masso kinesitherapist · orthotherapist · myotherapist · Thai massage therapist
Wages (per year)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $32,867 | $32,867 | $62,400 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | — | $36,400 | — |
| Nova Scotia | $35,128 | $35,128 | $56,000 |
| New Brunswick | $33,481 | $33,481 | $56,000 |
| Quebec | $33,109 | $33,109 | $49,200 |
| Ontario | $37,561 | $37,561 | $57,200 |
| Manitoba | $34,810 | $34,810 | $50,400 |
| Saskatchewan | $34,747 | $40,800 | $67,500 |
| Alberta | $32,867 | $32,867 | $63,600 |
| British Columbia | $37,929 | $43,600 | $81,000 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.